Magnetic valve incorporating a permanent magnet for effecting valve closure

Abstract

A magnetic valve which is closed when current is absent includes an electromagnet driver having a U-shaped magnetizable yoke carrying a winding; a pivotally attached armature including a soft magnetic material; a permanent magnet disposed on the armature; and a pole plate disposed between the permanent magnet and a part of the yoke which carries the winding. The yoke part and the pole plate define a separating plane therebetween. The mangetic valve further has a valve cone disposed on the armature below the separating plane.

I claim: 
     
       1. A magnetic valve which is closed when current is absent, comprising: an electromagnet driving means including a U-shaped magnetizable yoke having a winding on a part of said yoke;   a pivotally attached armature including a soft magnetic material;   a permanent magnet disposed on said armature;   a pole plate disposed between said permanent magnet and the part of said yoke having said winding thereon;   said part of the yoke and said pole plate defining a separating plane therebetween; and   a valve cone disposed on said armature below said separating plane.   
     
     
       2. A magnetic valve as defined in claim 1, further comprising means defining a valve seat in said armature; said valve cone comprises an elastomer, and said valve cone includes a base having sufficient elasticity for being disposed in said valve seat. 
     
     
       3. A magnetic valve as defined in claim 1, wherein said valve cone is elastic and is mushroom shaped. 
     
     
       4. A liquid container having an opening and a magnetic valve for closing said opening when current is absent, comprising: a plastic housing;   an electromagnet driving means including a U-shaped magnetizable yoke having a winding on a part of said yoke;   an armature pivotally attached to said housing, said armature being a soft magnetic material;   a permanent magnet disposed on said armature;   a pole plate disposed between said permanent magnet and the part of said yoke having said winding thereon;   said permanent magnetic and said pole plate having two magnetic poles oriented toward said part of said yoke; said part of the yoke and said pole plate having a substantially planar separating face therebetween; and   a valve cone disposed on said armature for closing said opening.   
     
     
       5. A magnetic valve as defined in claim 4, further comprising a thin sheet disposed on said housing between said pole plate and said part of said yoke. 
     
     
       6. A magnetic valve as defined in claim 5, wherein said sheet is self-adhesive. 
     
     
       7. A magnetic valve as defined in claim 4, wherein each one of said armature and said pole plate comprises a soft magnetic steel having corrosion inhibiting characteristics.